After Modi Meets Xi and Putin, Trump Slams US-India Ties as “One-Sided Disaster”

Trump Slams India-US Trade After Modi Meets Xi, Putin.

US President Donald Trump has renewed his attack on India’s trade practices, calling the relationship “totally one-sided,” just hours after Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in China.

On his Truth Social account, Trump defended his 50% tariff on Indian imports, accusing New Delhi of being a “tariff abuser” and relying too heavily on Russian oil and military equipment. “They sell us massive amounts of goods but we sell them very little. Until now, a totally one-sided relationship,” he wrote.

Tariffs and Russian Ties
Trump also claimed India had offered to cut tariffs to “nothing,” but warned it may be “too late.” The Indian government has denied any such offer. He singled out India’s imports of Russian crude and defence supplies, saying, “India buys most of its oil and military products from Russia… very little from the US.”

SCO Optics
The remarks came as images of Modi, Xi, and Putin smiling and shaking hands in Tianjin signalled closer coordination among the three leaders. Both India and China have discussed ways to expand trade ties to blunt the impact of Washington’s duties, which Beijing and New Delhi have described as protectionist.

Trade Impact
The tariffs, which took effect last week, cover about $48 billion worth of Indian goods, including gems, textiles, and seafood. A separate 25% levy targets imports linked to Russian energy and defence.

India has criticised the move as “unjustified and unfair,” pointing out that Western nations also continue to buy discounted Russian oil. Officials said support will be extended to affected industries and that talks with over 40 countries are underway to diversify export markets.